Compete released some interesting data yesterday about how consumers view traveling off-peak in light of the current economic conditions.

The data was pretty interesting; most surveyed said they were more likely to travel off-peak in 2010 vs 2009, more than 50% were looking at traveling when the deals could be had and the destinations might be less packed.

What does this mean for hotel, resort and vacation rental managers? It means your off-season might not be as quiet, and your on-season might be a bit slower because your normal visitors are waiting for that off season deal to hit their social network or email box. (more…)

Is it a just a game fad or a great loyalty marketing?

Some innovative marketers are turning to location based internet marketing and using it to track and reward their loyal patron’s visits to their establishment through a growing number of mobile resources.

There are a number of applications that provide information and/or allow users to “checkin” (register) their visits to almost any location based on GPS features in their mobile devices.  Some of the applications reward the user with awards and badges and sometimes the user can receive free or discounted rewards from participating establishments.

The number of users is growing but its usefulness is still controversial. (more…)

Lodging managers and owners usually provide their own public relations in the middle of frenzy. Whether in good times when you are turning over 95% guest occupancy or in more challenging times of natural disasters or uncontrolled events, the Public Relations hat must be worn along with all of your other hats.

Sometimes it’s hard to see through it all. Turn to your marketing experts for another point of view, a second opinion or to brainstorm ideas.  

At Blizzard we have the advantage of working with clients all over the world.  We have helped our clients fight through a wide variety of situations; flooding, snowstorms, avalanches, tornadoes, hurricanes, and even the results of man-made events. Counteracting the situation with a flurry of online activity works.

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Join Escapia and Blizzard Internet Marketing, Inc. on May 20th in Breckenridge, Colorado for a complimentary seminar, Vacation Rentals 3.0.

Learn how to maximize your bookings by implementing techniques used by the bigger travel brands to increase occupancy, profits, and average daily rates.

The seminar will cover topics including:

• What vacation rental shoppers are looking for from you.
• Yield Management: The right rates at the right time.
• Easy ways to improve your website.
• Cloud Computing and vacation rental management. (more…)

While it’s not yet known how severely the beaches of the Gulf Coast will be affected, for now the sun is shining and the sand is warm.

If you are planning a vacation in the area please check with your rental company before making any decisions as companies in the area are informed daily about the slick and the risk that it poses.

If you want to know how you can help, here are a few resources:

• 10 Things That You Can do to Help the Gulf Coast Clean the Oil Spill
• How to Help

Photo by divemasterking2000

Blizzard has lined up 12 webinars designed to improve your overall marketing strategy.

Each webinar is free and will run for about an hour. Sign up today, webinars fill up fast.

Join us for:

Diagnosing Page Speed Issues on Your Travel, Tourism or Hospitality Site
Thursday, May 6th, 11 AM MDT
With Google’s recent announcement that Page Speed is a ranking factor, find out how to determine how your site measures up!

Google Analytics 101 for Hotels, Resorts, Inns and Rental Managers
Tuesday, May 18th, 11 AM MDT
Learn the basics of Google Analytics setup, how to monitor, interpret and track your online ROI.

Google Analytics Advanced for Hotels, Resorts, Inns and Rental Managers
Thursday, May 27th, 11 AM MDT
You will learn how to use goals, funnel tools and advanced reports for tracking actions that improve ROI. (more…)

Since 1997, Blizzard Internet Marketing has teamed up with hospitality marketers to create smart online marketing strategies for lodging and travel websites.

During the last week of September, Blizzard Internet is hosting a 2-day hands-on workshop in their home town of Glenwood Springs, Colorado where their long time clients, new clients, and other hotel marketers looking to discover what is new in search marketing will gather.

The workshop titled “Google and Foundations” will cover proven search strategies and how to integrate them it to a 2010 marketing plan. Leading the workshop is Blizzard Internet’s President and Co-Founder, Trent Blizzard, who is known for bringing a fresh and proven perspective to search marketing. Trent comments that:

“Blizzard Internet clients who are committed to growing their online marketing presence are the first to sign up for our workshops. They understand that successful marketing means teamwork; work is done both by Blizzard Internet experts but also by their in-house team, and together we can take their search engine presence to the next level. Both our new clients and other hospitality companies wanting to learn attend because they are ready to outrank and out perform their competitors.”

After the 2-day workshop, attendees will leave knowing:

• How to optimize their website for search engines
• The best tools for researching keywords, tracking results, and spying on their competitors
• How to successfully build powerful links to their website
• The ins and outs of how Google works
• The latest strategies to compete for guests in today’s saturated market

Event Details:
When:  September 29th and 30th of 2009
Who:  Hotel, Resort, Vacation Rental, and Travel Related Website Marketers
Where:  Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Bring: Your Laptop
Register Here:  Google and Foundations Workshop